Jagr is mum on future with Panthers while Ekblad and Luongo look forward to next season

As the chopped up ice surface was being hauled out of BB&T Center, members of the Florida Panthers schlepped bags stuffed with gear and cords of sticks wrapped tight with tape from their locker room to vehicles parked underneath the arena.

Yes, Tuesday was the official start of another long offseason for the Panthers.

After missing the playoffs, the Panthers definitely have numerous questions which need answering in the coming weeks and months.

One of the biggest ones regards future Hall of Fame forward Jaromir Jagr and whether he returns.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.

Jagr, as has been the case the final week of the season, wasn’t giving up much on Tuesday when asked about his future with the team.

“We’ll wait and see,” said Jagr, 45, who played in all 82 games this season and only missed three last year. “What happens, happens. Of course there will be some kind of changes, that’s what the owners want. It’s already started; there were changes [Monday].”

General manager Dale Tallon said Monday that he would sit down and talk to Jagr about a possible return as he has in the past two offseasons.

In 2015, Jagr signed a one-year deal with Florida on clean-out day; last year, he signed his new contract in May.

On Tuesday, Ekblad said he felt there was no reason why he should have sat out.

“I had been skating, maybe five ice-times going full speed, not resting,” he said. “The only thing I didn’t do was take some hits which I guess you could say was a miscalculation on my part. I got great care from our trainers; the guys they brought in are world-class professionals.

“They helped me get back. It was a similar timeline to when I got [concussed last season] in Edmonton, so why shouldn’t I be fine this time?

“I analyzed my symptoms every day and there was nothing. Two days before that game, nothing. Re-aggravation happens. I took care of it and I feel great now.”

Luongo said he plans on getting back on the ice in a few weeks in preparation for next season.

Whether he retains his position as Florida’s starting goalie will be determined on how he looks when the Panthers return.

James Reimer had a strong first season with the Panthers and ended the year with back-to-back shutouts.

“My focus right now is getting healthy, getting 100 percent for next year,” Luongo said. “I feel like I still have a lot of good hockey left in me when I’m healthy, when I’m feeling good. That’s what I’m focusing on.”